Dear Liza,
The city of Portland has planted over a dozen new trees in Laurelhurst Park, just a few blocks from us. These are to replace trees that have fallen in the last few years, victims of storms, heavy winds, and in some cases, just old age.
As we get to know the new trees, we entertain ourselves by giving them names and backstories.
For example, the three Katsuras along the path by the Pine Street entrance are named for The Three Caballeros; Martin Short, Steve Martin, and Chevy Chase. They lead right up to Ken the oak tree, who is now called Just Ken.
A well-established tree that we have admired for years has been given the name Mama Rose, after the main character in the play “Gypsy”. She is strong, a flamboyant pink, and always the first to bloom.
A new Douglas fir by the Wallosaurus (a stone wall with a spiky top) along Cesar Chavez Boulevard has been given the named Dougasaurus, for obvious reasons.
A new Dove tree, a variety of dogwood, will go by the name Dove, to honor my friend Dove, a strong and wonderful educator, mother, and supporter of the world. Dove is planted overlooking Firwood Lake.
A new Linden tree will go by Hal, for Hal Linden, the actor and star of the old Barney Miller tv series, who is amazingly still with us in his 90’s. His character was always kind in an often unkind world. He made me smile.
Artful Dodger, a new tree by our old friend Oliver, is planted in the Cesar Chavez/Ankeny corner. He was named so that these two Charles Dickens characters will always be together.
So now, when I go to the park, it’s like visiting friends!
Love,
Grandma Judy
Dear Liza 